Zimbabwe's main opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) is rejecting calls from President Robert Mugabe's ruling ZANU-PF party to form a unity government. The MDC contends that it would only consider being part of a unity government with the ruling party after the disputes over the power-sharing agreement are amicably resolved. This comes after the ruling party vowed Wednesday immediately to form a unity government despite stiff opposition from the MDC. Political analyst George Mkwananzi tells reporter Peter Clottey that the opposition is right in refusing to dance to Robert Mugabe's music.
"I believe that the action of the MDC is quite legitimate being the party that did everything within its purview to allow a solution to come out of a negotiated settlement. And then was betrayed by SADC (Southern African Development Community), betrayed by their African brothers in that has urged that they (MDC) must go and work with Mugabe regardless of complaints that the power-sharing has not been equitable. So we cannot blame them for that," Mkwananzi noted.
He described the ruling party's move to form a unity government despite the opposition's apprehension as unfortunate.
"For the Robert Mugabe regime to continue to cling to power when they know the people have rejected them as they are now being brought back through the back door is completely unacceptable," he said.
Mkwananzi said although Zimbabweans would be adversely affected if the main opposition fails to be part of the unity government, it would be for a good cause.
"Obviously, the people of Zimbabwe would suffer and they would continue to be subjected to conditions of abject poverty and starvation. However, sometimes it is necessary for people to go through such kind of hard situation in order to receive payment in the form of democratic dispensation. It is like going through a war and it is like labor pain, which in the end my bring joy in the form of something that they really want unlike trying to cut things short and allow a situation where Mugabe continues to bulldoze his way in the governance of the country when he has not been chosen by the people as their preferred choice," Mkwananzi noted.
He said the international community should turn a cold shoulder towards South Africa and call for help and investment in Zimbabwe.
"I think the west should not be obliged to accept this call from South Africa. You know, it is a noble call. We know the intention is that of goodwill. But South Africa is part of this gang of Southern African leaders who have allowed Mugabe to continue treating the people of Zimbabwe as if they are a bag of dirt. So fine, the international community can be appealed to not to impose sanctions, but what are they doing themselves to make Mugabe realize that the demands by the MDC are legitimate. And that the sooner they realize that the better," he asked.
Some political analysts believe the controversy surrounding the ruling party's move to form a unity government without the main opposition would unravel the recently signed peace deal and further plunge the country into deeper economic crisis
Meanwhile, South Africa is calling on the United States and the European Union to help Zimbabwe develop its agriculture and attract investment rather than impose sanctions that have hurt the ordinary Zimbabwean.
Both Washington and Brussels have imposed visa bans and asset freezes on President Mugabe and other senior Zimbabwean officials. US sanctions also bar Americans from engaging in any transactions or dealings with them.
